 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. XML-Based Neutral Language for Data Display Systems 112 th RCC Telemetry Group Conference California, MD August 24 th, 2005 John Hamilton Ron Fernandes Knowledge Based Systems, Inc.

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Agenda Background Motivation Data Display Markup Language (DDML) Data Display Model Repository and Translator Framework (DDTF) Applications Conclusions

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Background Work based on a Phase I and II SBIR sponsored by Edwards Air Force Base Technical POC: Dr. Charles Jones Work with –China Lake / Lockheed Martin, Ridgecrest –NAWS, Pt. Mugu –Pax River Test Range Center –PM Utility Helicopter, U.S. Army –Sherrill-Lubinski Corp –Symvionics Corp. –Bruce Lipe, EAFB –Jon Morgan, EAFB Project ends Nov 2006

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Why Neutral Language? Data display setup is a lengthy procedure Diverse data display systems Test and Evaluation (T&E) performed at different locations Need reuse of displays for joint service T&E missions –Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) –Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Why Neutral Language? Currently, displays are created manually Develop translators without neutral language Vendor 6 Vendor 1 Vendor 2 Vendor 3 Vendor 4 Vendor 5

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Why Neutral Language? Develop translators with neutral language DDML Document Vendor 1 Vendor 2 Vendor 3 Vendor 4 Vendor 5 Vendor 6

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Data Display Markup Language Based on eXtensible Markup Language (XML) Four logical layers: graphics resources, dynamics, variables and data sources Includes most T&E display objects –plotters, meters, strip charts, etc. Primitive graphics resources based on Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) –rectangles, lines, etc. Generic to support nonstandard objects

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Data Display Markup Language Layers similar to typical software architecture Typical Software Layer (e.g., Model-View Architecture) Persistence (load, save, etc.) Information Management (objects, variables, etc.) Graphics Resources (controls, color, etc.) User Interfaces (rendering, display, etc.) DDML Layers Data Sources Data variables and derived data Graphics Resources (position, color, etc.) Dynamics

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. DDML Design DDML is generic enough to support multiple data display systems, despite –Nomenclature differences across tools –Different functionality and focus for each system –Architectural differences and fuzzy specification of architectural layers –Nonstandard, tool-specific concepts

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. DDML Design artifacts Data dictionary – Excel-based –Maps vendor objects to DDML elements and attributes IDEF1X data model Special mapping rules file XMLSpy model DTD and XML Schemas

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. DDML Data DictionaryData Dictionary Dictionary of DDML terms and description Includes corresponding terms in SL, IADS, DataViews, RangeView, GRIDS, etc. Logically, each term is of the following four types –Element (document type definition [DTD] element) –Attribute (DTD attribute) –User-defined parameter –User-defined object type

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. DDML Details contains all display objects on a given screen. Standard display objects including – Non-Standard/Custom objects –

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. DDML Structure

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Example 1: 3x 2 - 2(sin y) 2 <exp Example 2: 4x 2 - 5(sin  (y 2 + z 2 ) ) <exp DDML Support for Derived Data

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. DDML GE DataViews Symvionics’ IADS ILIAD / SL-GML Example of using DDML DDML serves as the interlingua C / OpenGLGRIDSRangeView

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. DDML Documentation Translator development methodology is documented –Internal and external translators; –What’s common to both types –To be presented at ITC 2005 DDML website maintenance –

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Mapping DDML to a new Target Each tool/system must map its concept to that of DDML –Add display objects to data dictionary –Map objects to DDML objects –Define extra/special rules for mapping –Catalog non-standard display objects Translator must encode these rules to read/write DDML –Internal Vs. External Translator

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Data Display Translator Framework DDML Model Repository with Translators

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Data Display Translator Framework Phase II: DDML Browser

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Data Display Translator Framework Phase II: DDML Query Tool

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. DDML Benefits Supports interoperability of display systems –Same look and feel across environments and test centers Vendor-independent way of cataloging display information Can be used in various environments –T&E missions –Industrial process control –Cockpit and automobile dashboards –Health monitoring: man and machine

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Conclusions DDML is a generic XML-based neutral language for data display applications DDML has been tested to support at least three vendor-specific formats DDTF provided integrated framework for future translators DDML and DDTF have applications beyond T&E

 2003 Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. Points of Contact Dr. Charles Jones, AFFTC, EAFB Mike Graul, KBSI John Hamilton, KBSI Ronald Fernandes, KBSI